[Ninster]

I work at a mid-size firm where several of us are working on the CPA exam. It’s so easy to get discouraged when you start comparing yourself with colleagues who are passing faster than you are. How do you guys stay motivated when others around you are passing and you’re still working on yours? What do you tell yourself?

[CPA788]

This is a tough one. I don't work at an accounting firm but I do work in an office with a lot of people my age that have had their license for a while. I've been going at it for almost 2 years and am still not done. It's embarrassing, I hate it. But what I use for motivation is the fact that I'll some day get to join them all in the group CPE they do, the next level of respect I'll have earned by having it done.

This is not an exam perspective but I have had a really hard time with comparing myself to a colleague that shares the same title as me but, according to everyone in the office, is the sub par performer. We are treated the same by our manager, I don't get promoted for the hard work I do, and am still on the same level – everyone tells me I'm the better performer but our titles are the same. It's really hard to not get swept up in that. It's definitely natural to feel that way, and after it eating me alive, I've figured out (after being told 100x by my husband and bff) that you just gotta focus on you. Easier said than done. But you won't reach your goal wasting energy on worring about others, when you could be putting that energy into motivation and studying. That's the answer – harness that urge of comparison and annoyance and bummed out feeling, and cycle it into motivation. You can do it.

BEC - 74, 77
FAR - 72, 71 (retake 7/29)
REG - 69
AUD - Q4 '16

CA Candidate

[CPA788]

I mean, have a little pity party for a hot second, then move on. You aren't perfect, but you'll get there.

BEC - 74, 77
FAR - 72, 71 (retake 7/29)
REG - 69
AUD - Q4 '16

CA Candidate

[N4]

I know this is easier said than done but dont focus on them…everyone is different. Some have families some have bills to pay…longer work hours and commitments. Some are better test takers. Imo this exam isnt about intelligence or how good of an accountant you are (i know amazing intelligent accountants who didnt pass yet) but how well you can find the time to study and take a test. What matters is you are pursuing it! Some take awhile to pass. Some get lucky and pass the first time. I failed an exam while the other guy passed all 4 on the firsy try and i didnt let that get me down and used that as fuel to wake up early mornings before work study during lunch and after work. I have one left now. At the same time you need to be objective on your own habits and not get stuck by thinking oh they are just smarter..no they are putting in more time somehow or studying more efficiently. Try jeffs ELL plan for working individuals. Thats how i got through many of my test while working full time.

FAR (5/31) PASS (Best birthday gift ever!)

[startupcfo]

It is very dumb to compare yourself to others, because that punishes you for getting into the big leagues. Only 1 out of 30 applicants make it to the Big 4. What are you going to do if you find out you're in the bottom half once you get in? Take a spot at McDonalds so you can be the #1 again?

I would focus on competing with your former self, not with others who have different talents and resources than you.

BEC - 87 | 02/28
REG - 70 | 06/10, REMATCH | 08/30
AUD - XX | 09/10
FAR - XX | 12/10

[Ninster]

Thank you all, I appreciate your thoughts and comments. You all gave good points. 🙂

[Missy]

It's just one part of a person. Sure some of your peers may be passing exams before you but on the other hand maybe you're turning in work with fewer errors or being given more complex tasks because you consistently rise to the task. Seeing people even here who passed all four the first time while working and raising kids stung a bit but the best way to move on is to be sincerely happy for their accomplishments and I guarantee they'll be sincerely happy for yours without any disclaimers about how many tries it took.

Licensed Massachusetts Non Reporting CPA since 2012
Finance/Admin/HR Manager

[Author]

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